The "Nerve Center" For All Multi-Mission Helos In The Fleet

The 300th Common Cockpit, the nerve center for every multi-mission helicopter in the U.S. Navy fleet, has been delivered to the U.S. Navy by prime contractor Lockheed Martin.

"The Common Cockpit underwent one of the most demanding certification processes at NAVAIR, and is now the standard by which all cockpits are judged," said Capt. Dean Peters, NAVAIR program manager for H-60 Multi-Mission Helicopters. "Our MH-60R and MH-60S crews rely on this system to support the broad range of missions and operations they fly every day."

The Common Cockpit is the hub of all activity aboard MH-60R and MH-60S aircraft. Four large, flat-panel, multi-function, night-vision-compatible, color display screens provide the crew with instant information on everything from weather to weapons and sensors. "The Common Cockpit reduces workload and increases situational awareness for MH-60R and MH-60S crews," said George Barton, director of Naval Helicopter programs at Lockheed Martin. "Having a common cockpit also reduces the logistics footprint and total ownership cost to the Navy."

MH-60R

Upcoming improvements to the Common Cockpit will include the addition of the Situational Awareness Technology Insertion (SATI) package, which is a set of upgrades to the flight management system. A new integrated digital map will provide pilots with a clear picture of their operating area, and an upgrade to the Identification Friend-or-Foe system will ensure there is no interference during transmission and that it is interoperable with the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 132,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

FMI: www.lockheedmartin.com/ms2